Abstract: A retractable rule assembly including a housing and reel rotatably mounted in the housing and having an elongated blade formed from ribbons of metal. One end of the blade is connected to the reel and extends from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. When retracted within the housing assembly, the blade is in the form of an abutting volute coil. The blade is configured through the use of first and second ribbons connected to one another to provide improved standout characteristics and increased torsional rigidity as compared to conventional blades currently available.